Histological analysis
The colons tissue specimens were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 h,
dehydrated, and paraffin-embedded. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining
was performed to observe the colon tissue pathology under an optical
microscope. The scoring criteria consisted of the following: 0, no
evidence of inflammation; 1, low-level inflammation with scattered
mononuclear cells (1-2 foci); 2, moderate inflammation with multiple
foci of mononuclear cells; 3, high-level inflammation with increased
vascular density and significant wall thickening; and 4, maximal
inflammation with transmural leukocyte infiltration and loss of goblet
cells. Additionally, periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS) and Alcian blue
staining techniques were used to examine the epithelial goblet cells,
characterizing neutral mucin and acidic mucins, respectively. The Leica
DM6B laser microdissection system was utilized to obtain images.